BTA Fridays – Breaking the Algorithm™ | Should You Give Your Book Away for Free?
This question comes up constantly in author groups.
Should you give your book away for free?
Some authors refuse immediately.
They spent years writing it, months editing it, and money publishing it. Giving it away feels wrong.
Other authors hand out books to anyone who asks because they believe getting the book into more hands is always worth it.
I sit somewhere in the middle.
I don't believe in giving books away.
I believe in exchanging books.
Free isn't the price.
Free is the exchange.
If I give away a copy of my book, I want something in return.
Not necessarily money.
But value.
Maybe that's access to readers I couldn't reach on my own.
A book club.
A library program.
A classroom.
A conference audience.
Maybe it's credibility.
A review.
A media mention.
A newsletter feature.
A blog post.
Maybe it's data.
An email address.
A new subscriber.
A future relationship.
Maybe it's opportunity.
A speaking engagement.
A workshop.
A bulk order.
A partnership.
That's when free makes sense.
Giving books to librarians, bookstore buyers, podcast hosts, teachers, book club leaders, media contacts, and strategic partners can absolutely be worth it because those relationships create opportunities that extend far beyond the cost of a single book.
Where free becomes expensive is when it lacks intention.
Random handouts.
Guilt giveaways.
Dropping books into swag bags with no follow-up.
Giving copies to audiences that aren't your readers.
Those books become expenses instead of investments.
If you're giving away books, include something with them.
A discussion guide.
A QR code.
A business card.
A media sheet.
A newsletter signup.
Give people a next step.
And track every single copy you give away.
Who received it?
Why did they receive it?
What happened afterward?
Because books cost money.
Treat them like business assets.
At the end of the day, I don't spray and pray.
I gift with purpose.
Every book I move has a job to do.
Watch the full episode:
- Free should be an exchange, not a handout.
- Exchange books for access, credibility, data, or opportunities.
- Include a call to action with complimentary copies.
- Track every book you give away.
- Intentional generosity performs better than random generosity.
- Your books are business assets and should be treated that way.
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